7 Days Xinjiang Kuerdening Trekking Adventure

Welcome to Yining, the pearl of the Ili River Valley and a vibrant city in Xinjiang, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique local traditions. All team members will individually travel to the designated hotel for assembly. In the afternoon, we will check equipment, hold a pre-trip meeting, and enjoy a welcome dinner. The rest of the day is for you to rest up for an amazing trekking adventure ahead.

A day immersed in nature begins after breakfast. We will drive from Yining to Kuerdening, which means "horizontal valley" in Kazakh. It is a unique valley that runs parallel to the snow-capped mountains. As you start your trek, you'll be surrounded by the lush greenery of the wild fruit forest, a part of the national nature reserve established in 1984. Today's trek will take you along pastoral paths, offering stunning views as you make your way to the wild fruit forest. you will set up camp here at an altitude of 2,400 meters. Today's trek covers approximately 12 kilometers.

Today's adventure takes you to the Kabanbayi Peak Base Camp. You will cross the Sader Pass, located at an altitude of 3,800 meters on the mountainside of Kabanbayi Peak. As you ascend, you'll catch glimpses of the majestic Kabanbayi Peak, standing at 4,257 meters, the highest peak in the Nalati Mountain Range. This peak is a source of numerous glaciers and is surrounded by rare wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, and golden eagles. After descending, you will reach the base camp at 3,400 meters. This challenging day covers about 18 kilometers.

Have you ever heard of rocks at high altitude? After breakfast around 10:00 AM, you will break camp and head towards the Salder Pass. The journey offers breathtaking views of endless snow-capped mountains and lush green landscapes. your destination is the mysterious Kuikesu Stone Forest, located at an altitude of 3,500 meters. This unique landscape, shaped by natural forces, features formations resembling ancient European castles, unsheathed swords, and various animals. The area is also a haven for wildlife and is rich in medicinal plants like snow lotus and cordyceps. Today's trek is approximately 18 kilometers.

The amazing Bayinbuluke awaits you today. You will traverse the stunning Bayinbuluke Grassland and cross two passes. The trek will take you through the eastern part of the Kuikesu Stone Forest, where you can marvel at the unique rock formations and the diverse wildlife that inhabits this area. You will then cross the Harasai Pass, ending at Jiangbukou. Today's trek covers about 15 kilometers.

Let's find out why Kuerdening was selected by UNESCO! Today's trek will take you along pastoral paths and through dense forests. You will cross the Budong Pass and pass through the Budong Summer Pasture before reaching Alemar Village. This scenic day covers approximately 20 kilometers. As you trek, you'll be surrounded by the rich biodiversity of the region, a testament to why Kuerdening was designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2013.

On final day, you will trek 12 kilometers through the Hoyitas Pasture and back to Kuerdening, completing your heroic journey. As you make your way back, take in the last views of the snow-capped peaks and lush valleys that have been your home for the past week. We will then drive you back to Yining, where your adventure concludes. We look forward to see you again on another adventure!